The Walking Dead Review: Ep. 615 East
As the Johnny Cash tune “It’s All Over” played at the top of East, I couldn’t help but think of another old tune. “She’s Gone” by Hall and Oates popped into my mind as well and the lyrics “She’s gone, she’s gone…I better learn how to face it” are quite appropriate given how Denise’s passing and Carol’s sudden departure have created a void in Alexandria.
East is a tense, unsettling episode that challenges the viewer to make it through to the end without yelling at the screen several times before and after it’s conclusion. The second half of Season 6 is almost complete and several of the plot threads that were introduced earlier on in the season and the series are now being woven together. East is a fascinating look at how the actions of one person can have a profound effect on those around them and how delicate the spider web that connects us all can be.
The episode begins with Carol stitching together the sleeve of a jacket but it’s the group that appears to be coming apart at the seams. A splintered group, trouble brewing in Alexandria and the looming threat of danger from outside the community’s walls all foreshadow dark times ahead for Rick and the group. Rick’s confidence and optimism, while vital for his survival, ignores one of the basic rules of the universe: There’s always someone out there who’s more badass than you are.
When Daryl mysteriously leaves the community, it starts a snowball effect as several search parties leave the safety of Alexandria. Through the characters, the episode explores a wide range of emotions (happiness, guilt, fear, rage) and poses several questions. What happens when the strongest among us reach the end of their rope?How does someone handle guilt? Guilt is a heavy burden and how we deal with it can lead to salvation or have dire consequences.
Morgan argues that all life is precious, believing that everything gets a return. His position is in direct contrast to Daryl’s who’s consumed with guilt at what he didn’t do in the forest several episodes ago. It could all be luck as Glenn put it, how one decision can lead to death while others, even if they aren’t popular at the time can keep people alive. There’s no playbook for survival in the walker apocalypse. Enid’s JSS mantra is different for everyone. Her code isn’t Morgan’s, Rick’s, Daryl’s, or Carol’s. The soul searching that the characters must go through, the code that they adhere to and must sometimes modify is what provides safety and sanity in a world that has been ripped apart at the seams.
There are consequences to all of our actions. Some cause tiny ripples in the water while others produce waves that drown us. The characters in The Walking Dead are coming to terms with this reality and some of them aren’t comfortable with it. With the season finale just a week away, there are several mysteries yet to be solved. Judging by the events of the past few episodes, Negan’s arrival will be a painful one for those on the show and for viewers at home.
